THE FAR EAST

Wairarapa Daily Times, 8 June 1936, Page 5

THE FAR EAST

MOBILISATION OROER CANTON EXPLANATION. Press Association Electric Teleprann—Copyright LONDON, Saturday. A Canton message states that it is officially explained that yesterday’s dramatic mobilisation order against Japan was merely a warning to southern commanders to be in readiness. Actually, it was a request to the Nanking Government to resist the invader in self-defence, and not to wage war. Observers interpret this as a shrewd .move to undermine the popularity of Nanking and force the hand of General Chiang Kai-Shek. Official circles in London are without news of the reported declaration of war against Japan, at Canton, but various sources believe that action is directed as much against the Nanking Government as against the Japanese, as - the southern leaders are disappointed at their failure to induce General Chiang Kai-Shek to declare war on Japan instead of attempting a diplomatic settlement. '/ v f

It is reported from Canton that the troops, while marching.- (i northward, ostensibly to resist Japan, are also well placed in the event of Nanking attacking the southerners. Reuter’s llong-Kong correspondent says that Canton’s instructions do not constitute a declaration of war against Japan, which would be disastrous to Canton in: view of the Japanese superiority in armaments, but are designed to win over patriotic university students. TROOPS CROSS BORDER. (Received Monday, 9.25 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Sunday. Kwangsi troops crossed the border into the Central Government Province of Hunan, and reached Yungchowfu, 15 miles from the frontier. Up till the present; they have been avoiding the Nanking forces.

IMPORTANT DISCUSSIONS.

LONDON, Saturday,

Discussions have begun between Sir Frederick Leith Rose, economic adviser to the British Government, and representatives of the Japanese Government and. business men. The. ‘ ‘ Sun-Herald ’ ’ news agency understands that the Japanese are willing not to oppose AngloJapanese co-operation in China on condition that Britain recognises Japan’s special position in China. Sir Frederick Leith Rose will also discuss smuggling, which is unabated.